Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, NCC's executive vice-Chairman and CEO.

To improve capacity building in the telecoms sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Prof. Kabiru Bala, vice-chancellor of the University, announced this development at the institution's 526th meeting of the Senate.

He said: "The University received NCC approval for the establishment of the centre, which would provide training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities for students and academic staff.

"Other anticipated activities at the centre include the development of courses that will bridge the knowledge gap in important ICT fields such as artificial intelligence , the internet of things, cybersecurity, connectivity technologies, cloud computing, edge computing, renewable energy, and next-generation networks."

In a statement Auwal Umar, the University's director of public affairs, stated that "the centre would be required to support the commission's mandate of producing locally made equipment and materials for the development of the telecommunications sector."

In a letter communicating the approval, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the commission's executive vice-chairman and CEOP, said the centre was also anticipated to foster research that would generate policies and provide patent solutions for both the telecoms industry and regulator.

The commission will contribute to the center's research agenda, approve its work programme, and set key performance indicators and targets to be delivered in collaboration with university authorities and telecom companies in the country.